South African History is made as CC Africa signs Phinda land deal

In a pioneering move for successful land redistribution in South Africa, it was with great pride that CC Africa and community leaders from the Makhasa and Mnqobokazi clans signed on Saturday 11 August a mutually beneficial land deal for a significant portion of Phinda Private Game Reserve which restored ownership of the land back to the local communities. Dignitaries from all over South Africa joined thousands of community members in celebration: Inkatha leader and chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders, Dr Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Agriculture and Land Affairs Minister Lulu Xingwana, the MEC for Agriculture and Land for KZN, inkosis from many clans and senior members of the Land Claims Commission were all there.

When CC Africa was first informed of a gazetted land claim on Phinda in 2002 the initial reaction was to defend it. After further consideration, CC Africa's CEO, Steve Fitzgerald, decided that although it was imperative for CC Africa to own the business to ensure ongoing profitable ecotourism at Phinda, it was not necessarily crucial to own the land.

"It has always been our dream to return Phinda's land to the community but obviously in a way that also benefits CC Africa. We realised that the best way forward for all concerned was to support the land claim and then to lease the land back from the communities on an annual basis to ensure ongoing sustainability", said Steve Fitzgerald.

Phinda's Regional Director, Kevin Pretorius, together with Steve, met with Inkosi Gumede, leader of the Makhasa community, who was gravely concerned that compensation was not a sustainable long-term solution for his people. Inkosi Ngwanwe from Mnqobokazi was in agreement with Gumede and therefore an alternative win-all solution was sought.

More than two years of discussion ensued to agree an acceptable payout for a profitable and internationally acclaimed Big Five game reserve. CC Africa received R268 million in compensation for 11 500 hectares of Phinda. A 72 year lease was agreed to in which CC Africa will lease the land back from the communities. CC Africa retains full ownership of the business and all the animals on the land.

As part of the settlement, CC Africa will also pay both communities an upfront amount of R9 million in order to facilitate future joint ventures with CC Africa. "This commercially viable solution was only possible due to the trust engendered by CC Africa and our social development arm, Africa Foundation, with the communities surrounding Phinda over the last 16 years; schools and clinics have been built; small businesses developed; university bursaries granted and numerous jobs created, to name a few", said Steve.

This groundbreaking agreement proves that if the communities surrounding conservation areas truly feel the benefit of ecotourism, they too will support ongoing conservation and biodiversity of pristine reserves for the benefit of future generations.

View the Phinda Land Deal video